Module GEOG2611: MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES

Department: Geography

GEOG2611: MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To give students an integrated view of the processes that build, shape, and erode mountains
• To emphasize connections and feedbacks between tectonic, geomorphic, hydrologic, and atmospheric processes

Content

• Overview: an integrative view of mountains as sediment routing systems, importance of mountain sediment cascades in global sediment budgets, mountains and humans
• Tectonic processes: upper crustal deformation in space and time, the earthquake cycle, patterns and rates of rock uplift, isostasy and flexure, feedbacks between erosion and deformation
• Orography and mountain hydrology: mountain climates, atmosphere/topography interactions and orographic effects, feedbacks between climate and topography
• Processes of erosion and sediment transport: weathering and climate feedbacks, sediment production, landslides as a long-term geomorphic agent, debris flows, steepland channels, bedrock channel incision and network development, the role of the biosphere
• Reading and quantifying the landscape: erosion rates at a range of temporal and spatial scales, sediment yield and sediment budgets, topographic metrics, the signature or 'fingerprint' of various processes on the landscape
• Managing mountain sediment systems: impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, hazard mapping and remediation and responses to mountain processes under changing climate.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• demonstrate a basic understanding of active tectonic processes and their role in generating mountain topography
• describe the key processes that govern sediment production and transport in mountain landscapes.
• describe the primary feedbacks between erosion, crustal deformation, and climate
• assess the relative importance of natural versus anthropogenic processes in mountain regions, and propose strategies for managing geomorphic hazards

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• apply practical tools and techniques for quantifying and analysing mountainous topography
• relate general physical principles to specific geomorphic settings and landforms
• be able to 'read' a mountainous landscape and recognize the processes that have shaped it

• On successful completion of the module students are expected to be able to:
• assess and interpret material presented in lectures and practicals
• extract patterns from secondary data and observations
• demonstrate basic competence in spatial analysis and GIS
• understand appropriate numerical analysis and presentation techniques
• perform simple calculations and run simple models in both lectures and practicals
• present logical written arguments
• practical work and hands-on application of concepts discussed in lectures

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will provide the breadth of coverage required by the aims and learning outcomes. Lecture material will be delivered asynchronously via two to three recorded sessions per week. These will be supplemented where appropriate by specified additional reading which will extend the information in the lectures.
• Lecture segments will be supplemented with a guided activity each week (c. 10-30 minutes).
• A short quiz will be set each week to mark progression and understanding of the lecture and activity material.
• Week-to-week learning will be supported in two ways: asynchronously, via the module discussion board, and synchronously, via a two-hour timetabled drop-in support session. The support session has two functions: to address questions raised by the students on that week’s material, and to go through the quiz answers in more detail so that students can recognise and address any mistakes.
• The discussion board will be divided into four areas: (1) News, (2) General questions, (3) Practical support, and (4) Peer-to-peer support.
• Practical exercises will enable the students to gain 'hands on' experience with some of the tools and techniques in quantitative geomorphology. They will also have the chance to apply the concepts introduced in lectures to solve real-world problems. Practicals will be self-guided using step-by-step written instructions posted on DUO, supplemented by a c.1 hr video tutorial. Practical exercises will be done in small groups of students, using a DUO wiki to compile the assignment. Practical support will be provided by (1) a synchronous 2-hour drop-in support session, using three staff and three separate channels or breakout rooms (with each group assigned to a specific channel), and (2) asynchronous support via a dedicated discussion board area.
• Assessment of the practicals will consist of both the answers required by the exercises, and a brief abstract of the problem and results, giving them experience in summarising research results while providing the opportunity to demonstrate their comprehension of the practical analysis.
• A take-home examination will provide the students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of mountain landscapes and process geomorphology, and their facility for critical evaluation of the concepts introduced in the course

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly quizzes (solutions discussed in synchronous support sessions and posted on DUO). Two practical exercises (solutions and model answers posted on DUO.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University